LAVC Speech & Debate Team earns National Medals at Phi Rho Pi Forensic Tournament

Students on the LAVC Speech & Debate Team brought home with four prestigious awards at the 2025 Phi Rho Pi National Forensics Competition that was held in Norfolk, Virginia last month. The following student received awards:

• Pedram Malekahmadi won Valley's first-ever Gold medal in Lincoln-Douglas debate, earning the 1-seed after prelims and going undefeated throughout the tournament. 
• Emily Merino earned a Bronze medal in Prose Interpretation, the most-entered interpretation event at the tournament.
• Arpi Danielyan earned a Bronze medal in IPDA (International Public Debate Association) in only her second time doing the event.
• Amna Shah capped off a successful season by earning a Bronze medal in IPDA.

Phi Rho Pi hosts the national forensics tournament for junior colleges. LAVC’s Speech and Debate Team has participated in the competition since the 1970s, and many of its team members have earned top awards over the years, including the team being the tournament champions in 1999, 2008 and 2009.

For more information about the LAVC Speech & Debate Team, visit the LAVC Communications Studies Area of Study.